Offset ball joints

[LaneBoehle]

2002 jeep wrangler. Repaired the frame last summer and also replaced the ball joints and tie rods. Went to get it aligned and they said that I need offset ball joints. You can tell that the front tires are toe in a little bit and are already starting to wear weird. Does anyone have advice or what kind of ball joints I should get. It has 33x12.5 tires with a 3.25 rough country lift.

 

[Link]

Toe in is necessary but it's very little. Depending on your eyes, you really shouldn't be able to see proper toe in but some people might be able to. If it's very obvious then yes, it's definitely too much. You can adjust your own toe in...no fancy alignment tools needed. Instructions are on this site.

Your lift without adjustable control arms is probably why the caster is off. And they are right it's not adjustable...but it is with adjustable control arms. But, your numbers aren't that bad.

This thread might help.

Thread 'What should my caster angle be?'

Aug 2, 2021

I’ve got 33” tires on a 4” lift. I’m having a bit of a wandering issue in - mainly on 2-lane roads that aren’t as “flat” as the main roads. I have to work a little harder on these smaller roads to keep it in the lane. It seems to really react to the angle of the road and want to pull one way or the other. It’s fine running around town on the wider roads, but when I get on the backroads, it’s a little iffy.

Anyway, I’m not sure what my current caster angle is, but I’m wanting to get an alignment done and tell them specifically what to set my caster at. From other threads I’m thinking it...

• Breto31
• Replies: 64
• Forum: TJ General Discussion

 

[LONGJP2]

2002 jeep wrangler. Repaired the frame last summer and also replaced the ball joints and tie rods. Went to get it aligned and they said that I need offset ball joints. You can tell that the front tires are toe in a little bit and are already starting to wear weird. Does anyone have advice or what kind of ball joints I should get. It has 33x12.5 tires with a 3.25 rough country lift.

Welcome

As mentioned, toe is easily adjustable with common tools.
Adjustable ball joints are 'normally' for camber.
However, depending on how they are installed they can be used to adjust caster too.
Front lower adj. CAs might be easier.
YRMV

 

[KennethS]

So how/why would camber would be off on a solid front axle? That’s a new one for me.

 

[NskLJ]

Adjustable ball joint will adjust the camber on the left side. Caster you will need adjustable control arms or if you still have the eccentrics on the lower arms you may be able to adjust the caster that way. Caster won’t wear tires.